ALOR STAR: Ninety flood-prone areas have been identified in Kedah, particularly in the Kedah and Muda river basins, ahead of the 2026/2027 northeast monsoon.
Kedah Civil Defence Force director Lieutenant Colonel (PA) Mohd Bukhori Mat Sidik said high-risk areas in the Kedah River Basin included Kubang Pasu, Kota Setar, Pendang and Pokok Sena.
In the Muda River Basin, the districts identified as being at risk were Kuala Muda, Baling, Sik and Kulim.
Bukhori said the force and other response agencies under the Kedah State Disaster Management Committee were on full alert, with a combined strength of 4,585 personnel.
The force had 927 personnel and 556 logistical assets, including 14 four-wheel-drive vehicles, 37 lorries of various types, a van, 22 ambulances, 85 boats and 413 life jackets.
"The state response agencies have 3,658 personnel and 6,041 assets, including 112 four-wheel-drive vehicles, 62 lorries, eight ambulances, 32 vans, 3,271 tents, 161 aluminium boats and 2,395 life jackets," he said.
The preparations come ahead of the 2026/2027 northeast monsoon, which is expected to continue until March next year, with three to five episodes of prolonged heavy rain forecast during its initial phase.
"The Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia) previously announced that the 2026/2027 northeast monsoon is expected to begin on Oct 27 and continue until March 2027.
"During the initial phase of the monsoon, three to five episodes of prolonged heavy rain are expected, potentially causing floods near rivers and in low-lying areas.
"Based on the seven-day weather forecast up to Nov 1, the country is expected to be influenced by easterly winds throughout the period," he said.
Meanwhile, flooding in Kedah has so far affected Yan, where three temporary evacuation centres have been opened to house 69 families comprising 202 people.
Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK) Teroi is sheltering 29 families comprising 101 people, while Sekolah Jenis Kebangsaan Cina (SJKC) Pei Eng is housing 22 families comprising 43 people. Dewan Lestari Guar Chempedak is sheltering the remaining 18 families comprising 58 people.
The public have been advised to heed warnings from the relevant agencies, including MetMalaysia, and keep up to date with the latest flood information.
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